The Gift of Infallibility

by Vincent Ferrer Gasser, James T. O'Connor (Translator)

Infallibility is a deeply misunderstood idea, within as well as outside the Catholic Church. It remains a subject of great theological debate, especially regarding papal infallibility and the ordinary magisterium of the Church.

In The Gift of Infallibility, theologian James T. O'Connor clarifies the idea of infallibility. He provides a helpful translation of the "relatio" or official explanation by Bishop Gasser given at Vatican I, the Church council that defined the dogma of papal infallibility. Also included in this important volume is the first draft of chapter 4 of the Dogmatic Constitution Pastor Aeternus, as well as the final, official chapter of the constitution.

Despite its importance in all theological discussions on the doctrine of infallibility, Bishop Gasser's relatio had never until recently been translated from the Latin original into English. The relatio reveals a mind which is logical in process and fully acquainted with the historical and theological aspects of the question.


This volume concludes with a recently updated theological summary on the topic of infallibility by Father O'Connor. The Gift of Infallibilityis immensely important for theologians and others who wish to understand the way by which the Holy Spirit safeguards the Church. It will be of great value to the general student as well as to the specialist.

Genres: Catholic, Theology

158 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2008

Reviews

[J. Hord · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much misunderstanding around the doctrine of infallibility. It is difficult to know what is an accurate description and what is not. However, in this wonderful piece of historical apologetic we have some of the original discussion and document concerning this doctrine along with a summary explanation. Many references from John Henry Newman to Pope John Paul the Great provide additional historical context. There are many apologetic books on the topic but this is the place to start any study. Without a clear definition that is true to the documents and discussions of Vatican I one would be building their understanding on a shaky foundation. This is the definitive place to start and well written and concise at the same time.

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[Jacob Strange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really short and easy solid definition and defense of Vatican 1. You can easily read this in a day. Infallibility is not “whatever the Pope says goes.” The conditions of ex cathedra statements is in union with the bishops. EOs just don’t understand this and demand a maximalist version when that’s not the position. They’ll often argue, “you can only prove a minimalist view.” Well, yeah. That’s all that Vatican 1 is saying. The Pope never acts alone. The position of Vatican 1 is that WHEN the pope speaks infallibly, it’s not on the BASIS of the bishops, but on the papacy. Without which, you couldn’t define anything. This isn’t just evident from the lack of definition in EO in practice, but the need in principle. You couldn’t ever arrive at definitions unless everyone agreed without a head. And even in the history of councils, there multiple major sees have been in disagreement. In Chalcedon for example, the bishop of Alexandria had to be deposed for rejecting the councils decision. Most of my EO friends understand the need for this in any other context. You need a head in a family. You need a head of a company. A good majority are monarchists because they recognize it’s the most efficient form of government. It’s also the one God established. Why is that in every other society they recognize the need for a visible head, but not in the Church? Why would Christ set up the society of Christians without a visible head? We all recognize Christ as the ultimate head. But we also recognize there needs to be a visible governmental hierarchy. Otherwise we’d all be Protestant.

[James O’Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The foundational book for understanding the exercise of the papal office. Required reading for anyone trying to understand Catholic ecclesiology.

[Mike Kilcoyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting a history of the doctrine, rather than the council documents themselves. But it’s nice to know the Church has been consistent since defining this teaching.